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2018 Lincoln MKX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Lincoln MKX is standard Lincoln Connect hardware with Lincoln Way app support on every trim. Otherwise, it is a light-update year with no major design or powertrain revisions.
About the 2018 Lincoln MKX
2nd generation (2016-2018), final year before the 2019 rename and refresh to Nautilus.
The MKX is Lincoln’s midsize two-row luxury SUV for buyers who want a quiet, easygoing daily driver more than a sporty one. Lincoln marketed this model around calm ride quality, a hushed cabin, upscale materials, and thoughtful comfort features. Versus many rivals, the MKX leaned into smooth power, roomy rear seating, and a relaxed, low-stress driving feel, with the optional twin-turbo V6 adding stronger performance for shoppers who wanted more punch without giving up the soft, quiet character.
The 2018 MKX is a quiet, comfortable midsize luxury SUV, with trims ranging from the straightforward Premiere to the designer-themed Black Label. Premiere has an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Reserve adds navigation, blind-spot monitoring, a panoramic roof, and cooled front seats. Black Label stands out with themed Venetian leather and a 19-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.
What changed, by category
Tech
Lincoln Connect hardware with Lincoln Way app support became standard on every trim, bringing app-based remote functions across the lineup. Black Label also made its Climate Package standard, adding a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, and rain-sensing wipers.
Safety
Automatic high beams became standard on Black Label as part of its newly standard Climate Package. There was no lineup-wide driver-assist upgrade.
2018 Lincoln MKX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.7 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.7 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.7 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd SelShft | Auto, 6-Spd SelShft | Auto, 6-Spd SelShft | Auto, 6-Spd SelShft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD / AWD | FWD | AWD / FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17–18 mpg | 16–18 mpg | 17–18 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 23–25 mpg | 25 mpg | 24–25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 303–335 hp | 303–335 hp | 303–335 hp | 303–335 hp |
| Torque | 278–380 lb-ft | 278–380 lb-ft | 278–380 lb-ft | 278–380 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 39.6 in | 39.6 in | 39.6 in | 39.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | ||||
| Inflatable Seat Belts | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Interior Trim | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Lincoln MKX?
The biggest change is that Lincoln Connect hardware with Lincoln Way app support became standard on every 2018 MKX trim. The system provides app-based remote functions.
Did the 2018 Lincoln MKX get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2018 MKX carried over its engines and transmission. Its lineup retained the 3.7-liter V6 and the optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6.
What changed on the 2018 MKX Black Label?
The 2018 MKX Black Label gained standard Lincoln Connect and a standard Climate Package. That package brought a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams to every Black Label.
Is 2018 the final year for the Lincoln MKX name?
Yes, 2018 is the final model year for the MKX name. For 2019, Lincoln renamed the vehicle Nautilus and gave it a new front end, a revised engine lineup, an 8-speed automatic, and a standard driver-assist suite.
Is the 2018 Lincoln MKX a major upgrade over the 2017 model?
No, the 2018 MKX is not a major upgrade over the 2017 model. Standard Lincoln Connect is the main lineup-wide improvement, while Black Label receives extra standard comfort and lighting equipment; the basic styling and powertrains carry over.
2018 Lincoln MKX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Lincoln MKX.
4.2
2018 Lincoln MKX
(186 reviews)
“Delight to drive. No break-in time: drives just as easily at night as during day. Comfort and everything in place where it feels natural.”
“I wanted a car that was reliable and comfortable for long trips. The Lincoln MKX is perfect for napping, too!”